In November 2024, incoming orders in the mechanical and plant engineering sector in North Rhine-Westphalia were 6% down on the previous year.
Domestic demand fell by 5%, while demand from abroad was down 6%. The eurozone contributed to this result with a drop of 7% and the non-eurozone with a drop of 5%.
In the more significant three-month period from September to November 2024, orders fell by 6% overall compared to the same period in the previous year. Domestic orders were down 9% on the previous year. Orders from abroad fell by 4%. Demand from the European region remained 9% below the previous year’s figures, while incoming orders from non-European countries were 2% lower than in 2023.
These figures illustrate that the mechanical and plant engineering industry in North Rhine-Westphalia continues to be confronted with a low propensity to invest. The geopolitical challenges and the domestic and economic policy situation are weighing on companies. The necessary impetus for growth is lacking.